Here I am, striking a pose on the iconic steps of the MET—because let’s be real, if you don’t snap a pic on the steps, did you really go to the MET?! With the Met Gala just around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on all the unforgettable looks that have graced these very stairs on fashion’s most anticipated night—and eagerly wondering what magic will unfold this year. Who’s coming? What will they be wearing? Who’s sticking to the theme, and who’s throwing the rulebook out the window? Either way, you can bet my eyes will be glued to the screen, taking notes and adding to my list of all-time favorites.

In the spirit of the gala, I put together my personal top 5 Met Gala looks—an almost impossible task, honestly. So many iconic moments were left on the cutting room floor, but these are the ones I still obsess over to this day. Let’s get into it…

5- Bad Bunny - Karl Lagerfeld: A line of Beauty - 2023

Bad Bunny may be a newer face on the Met Gala carpet, but he’s already making bold moves. This red carpet moment was the perfect stage for his fearless style. Honoring the legendary Lagerfeld, he stepped out in an all-white Jacquemus backless suit, complete with a trail of cascading roses down the sleeves and platform derby shoes Karl would’ve surely approved of.

4- Karolina Kurkova -Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations - 2012

Everyone was talking about this look the next day—and honestly, I still am. Karolina shut it down in this golden, backless Rachel Zoe sequin gown with a matching turban. She was statuesque, radiant, and dripping in drama. The fit was pure perfection, and from head to toe, this look didn’t just slay—it cemented itself as one of the most iconic to ever hit the Met Gala carpet.

3-Rihanna - Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination - 2018

Let’s be real—every Met Gala look Rihanna has served is iconic. It was nearly impossible to pick just one, because honestly, I love them all. But there was something divine about this one… holy couture, if you will. She wore an ornate, beaded white Margiela ensemble—complete with a rhinestone-encrusted corset dress, matching jacket, clutch, and that unforgettable papal hat. The drama, the detail, the way it perfectly embodied the theme—Rih didn’t just show up, she delivered a fashion sermon.

2- Janelle Monaé - Camp: Notes on Fashion - 2019

Janelle Monáe is always a red carpet favorite—she moves from glamorous to avant-garde without missing a beat. In 2019, she turned heads in a bold Christian Siriano creation with striking black, white, and pink color blocking. One sleeve, one glove, a little peek-a-boo, and that surreal eye motif covering her chest? Genius. She even carried a matching eye clutch and topped it all off—literally—with a gravity-defying stack of hats. Art, fashion, and drama all in one unforgettable look.

1- Jennifer Lopez - Camp: Notes on Fashion - 2019

Now you know I had to give my fellow Bronx babe the number one spot! I look forward to her on every red carpet—she never misses. No matter the event, she brings high fashion, serious glam, and that signature J.Lo flair. Like Rihanna, picking just one Met Gala look was no easy feat—because truly, every one is a chef’s kiss. But this sparkly Versace stunner with that striking icicle effect? I’m still not over it. The plunging neckline, the thigh-high slit, those iridescent heels playing off the shimmer of the dress, the jewels, that headpiece! I mean, shall I go on? And don’t even get me started on the back of this gown… it was everything. Gorgeous from every angle. She didn’t just show up—she left the carpet frozen in time.

Fashion fades, but these moments? Unforgettable. Can’t wait to see who leaves us speechless this year.

With Style & Pizazz,

YAZ